Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Ive been asking everyone that I meet exactly how many remote controls that they have in the main television viewing room (Family Room, Den, Recreation Room, Master Bedroom etc..)and the average answer that I received was actually three. Threeremote controls sitting on a coffee table, or a night stand to work various pieces of electronic equipment. In some cases, I found as many as five or six (yeah, 6 remotes!) in one room. And inevitably, only one person in the house actually knows how to use a couple of them and which one operates what piece of equipment. I've seen some instances where you need to use three different remote controls just to watch a video on a DVD player. Three remotes! How confusing. It's getting really crazy especially with all of the new electronics hardware coming out that is remote controllable.

How great would it be if there was a remote control that was intelligent enough to know what channel or input your television needed to be on in order to play a DVD movie? That when you select to watch a DVD it automatically switches the television to the correct channel or input when you press the "Play" button? This is reality and can be done very easily. This is one of the automation capabilities that we offer at Smart Automation Solutions. Our solution allows you to simplify the remote control into one easy to use tool that will control all of your devices and you don't have to have a masters degree to understand how to use it!

Control4®'s base solutions include a simple to use two-way remote control that will allow you to eliminate all of the different remote controls on your coffee table or night stand and use just one smart remote. This remote can be set up in a way that virtually anyone who thinks they are "electronically challenged" can use it. It really is simple.

The remote gives you information that tells you what piece of equipment you are operating and in what room you are using it. It relays information back and forth where most remote controls are simply sending information to change or switch something. The Control4® remote actually sends and receives information so that it can display the status of different items. Furthermore, once you have replaced your remote(s) with this one, you can then add other items to control such as your lights, your thermostat, your security system, and even IP cameras and other devices all from the same, simple to use remote.

Technology is amazing and it keeps getting better and better for the homeowner. This product truly does live up to our tag line, "MAKE LIFE SIMPLE.". If you would like a free demonstration or home evaluation just give me a call at 877-343-2727 extension 704 and I would be happy to schedule a demo.

Monday, December 8, 2008

We work with several manufacturers of automation solutions, but one company just seems to really be heading in the right direction. I'm talking about Control4®. Control4® offers an extremely robust solution that truly fits any homeowners needs at a price point that is truly affordable for any home. Control4®'s products are wireless, which means that they work great in retro-fit (older home) installations. We can install their products in any home without the need for major renovations or construction, which also helps to keep the price down. And the technology that they are coming out with is amazing.

We all know how popular Apple's iPhone has become, as well as the iTouch which is basically the same device without a telephone. If you havent heard of the iPhone or iTouch, you must be living under a rock! Anyway, Control4® has just introduced an interface that allows you to download an application from Apple's "App Store" that basically gives you all of the control features for the Control4® solution right on your iPhone/iTouch! And best of all, the screen interface is an exact replica of the displays that Control4® uses for their touch screens and television interface. So now when you want to adjust the temperature, or turn on/off lights in a room, or start a movie, all you need to do is pick-up you iPhone/iTouch. The Application is a free download (just search for "Control4"), but you would need to purchase a software license key in order to activate.

Control4® wireless solutions use Zigbee® as one of their wireless platforms. The beauty of this is that there are several other manufacturers of products that are also using Zigbee®, and several of these products integrate with Control4®, so when you purchase a solution, you aren't tied to just Control4® for products or applications. There are hundreds of solutions that work with Control4 and more are always being added.

If you are interested in seeing a demo of this application or just learning more about home automation, give me a call at 877-343-2727 ext704 and i will be happy to schedule an appointment.